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Dr. Sydney Duncan, chair of the Department of English at Frostburg State University and an associate professor in the department, has been selected as the third recipient of the President’s Distinguished Faculty Award from FSU President Dr. Jonathan Gibralter, an award he established to recognize and encourage those faculty members who advance the University’s mission and goals and its strategic planning initiatives.

Duncan was recognized during the University’s spring commencement ceremony, receiving a monetary award, a medallion and plaque.

“Every educator hopes to make a difference in the lives of students; Dr. Duncan has more than achieved this goal,” Gibralter said. “She creates engaging challenges for her students by encouraging them to look at real-world issues in her technical writing classes.”

In the English Department, she has worked hard to create a culture that provides challenges and support for students. In his nomination letter, Dr. Thomas Bowling, vice president for Student and Educational Services, said, “She is masterful at achieving that balance between holding students accountable and, at the same time, understanding the various challenges that they may be encountering.”

In addition to seeking out ways to bring experiential opportunities into the classroom, Duncan contributes to the leadership development of students by consistently nominating them for opportunities such as the Sloop Institute for Excellence in Leadership and the President’s Leadership Circle. Similarly, she seeks out opportunities for her faculty colleagues to become involved on campus.

A member of the FSU faculty since 2006 and an officer of the Faculty Senate, Duncan has involved herself in meaningful ways in faculty governance and various committees. In so doing, she has been a very effective mentor for other faculty and an excellent role model.

Duncan also volunteered to serve as co-chair of the self-study process for the upcoming Middle States Commission on Higher Education reaccreditation evaluation visit, which Bowling said will benefit from her caring leadership, thoughtful analysis and skilled writing.

Duncan serves the University as a whole. “In addition to recognizing her significant achievements, it is important to bring attention to the manner in which she has worked – with integrity, and with respect for her colleagues and her students,” said Bowling.

The President’s Distinguished Faculty Award is supported by gifts to the FSU Foundation. For more information, call 301-687-4161 or visit foundation.frostburg.edu.

Situated in the mountains of Allegany County, Frostburg State University is one of the 12 institutions of the University System of Maryland. FSU is a comprehensive, residential regional university and serves as an educational and cultural center for Western Maryland. For more information, visit www.frostburg.edu or facebook.com/frostburgstateuniversity. Follow FSU on Twitter @frostburgstate.